Before we say adiós to 2010 and Bonjour 2011, it is only right to reminisce over the past year, as you do. So forget the Queens honours list because this here is the only list I know you are anticipating; but that not to discredit the honourable acts of the recipients MBE’s/CBE’s/OBE’s. If you disagree with the compilation of the D.S honours list feel free to suggest better recipients.

Best Film of the Year: Inception

This was not really a difficult choice as I can appreciate a good epic movie. Although there are no dragons and battles between swordsmen, I would say that Inception has re-imagined the epic movie by using a complex concept and using visual artistry to display the grand scale of the mind! Although the action of the film was encapsulating, the underlying emotional story is one that made the film linger on in audiences minds and held the whole film together.

The performances from Leonardo Di Caprio (Cobb) was honest and believable, quite similar to the character he played in ShutterIsland. The supporting cast Ellen Page (Ariadne), Tom Hardy (Eames) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Arthur) performances cannot be faulted either and added to the adventurous essence of the film.

Okay enough fanatical utterings about Inception, if you haven’t seen it you have truly missed out on one of the great movies of our era! If you have seen it once go see it again, I know I am… i’ll make it my new years day movie.

Best TV of the Year: Misfits

This for me only had two cats in the race, the other being Glee of course. But although I can rage on about Glee forever, the difference is that Glee is the creation of a big Hollywood studio. And although they are modelled on different concepts they both grip audiences equally. So I think writer Howard Overman deserves credit for forming these silly ASBO teens and planting them in dark situations using original superpower formulas, such as the ability to cause people to want to have sex with you. So much better than the chavtastic/hipster Skins!

Best Album of the Year: Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid

I am aware that this echoes the choice of Guardian’s 2010 album and other worldwide press, but I can assure this is not the case of jumping on the bandwagon; on second thoughts I would love to be on the Wonderland ArtsSociety’s bandwagon. What makes the ArchAndroid my album of the century let alone the year is that it breaks all boundaries. Monae clearly steers away from being boxed in a genre, and lets the album flow into sounds that her heart and creativity is exuding.

The first quarter of the album is highly soulful and powerful in the melodies and lyrics inspirational. Then in latter songs you get a bit of soulful rock in Come Alive and Cold War, which grew on me hugely after a few more rounds and now define the spirit of Monae. But what made me really find The ArchAndriod truly magical is thetheatrical/ musical melodies that fit into the mix of songs well. My mind instantly was thrown back to the Wizard of OZ with Oh Maker, Make The Bus and BaBobBye Ya. And even with songs with a deep melancholy sound such as 57821 and Say you’ll go the album remains uplifting and inspiring.

I have a huge admiration for Monae as an artist in the limelight, as she has not used her celeb status to further her album. She remains naturally beautiful in her tuxedo inspired attire and she lets her music showcase her, rather than her looks. So, as much as Beyonce is amazing at what she does, she needs to take a leaf out of Monae’s book and not use her sexuality to sell her music. It is difficult to choose a favourite song from The ArchAndroid, so i’ll just say that I have played Faster, Say you’ll go and Tightrope the most on my Itunes.

If you aint coped it yet, what ya waiting for???

Best Fiction of the Year: One Day by David Nicholls

I don’t know what made me stumble upon this book; okay in a shallow way it could have been the cover, but I’m glad I did. It was the first book I read on my iPhone and it was unexpectedly phenomenal. Most certainly going up there with my favourites!

One Day uses the developing relationship formula and sets it in the back drop of the 80s/90s over a period of 20 years. There are so many themes covered in this book including life after University, fame, ambition, Cocaine and Nicholls also makes many cultural references that signify the period. But the overall message is about love and in not one point of the story is it a soppy cheese fest.

The language does not exert itself into a complex renaissance lingo. The narrative remains within the mind of the two lead characters and is not ever that of the author himself. Which keeps us engulfed deep within the story and connects us emotionally to the characters.

Beautiful story, beautifully written.

Best TV Ad of the Year: Ikea ‘You’ll always find me in the kitchen at parties’

Can’t wait to have crazy parties in my kitchen, i’m convinced… so off to Ikea I go lol!

And The Rest…

I could go on forever but I would love if you guys suggest a few, and if I like I will include it in the post. Would also like to thank you guys for hitting up my blog this year, and remember to tell friends, frenemys and haters so it’ll flourish a lot more in 2011.
Happy New Year all!